Adaptive omni-modal radio apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A frequency and protocol agile wireless communication product, and chipset for forming the same, including a frequency agile transceiver, a digital interface circuit for interconnecting the radio transceiver with external devices, protocol agile operating circuit for operating the radio transceiver in accordance with one of the transmission protocols as determined by a protocol signal and an adaptive control circuit for accessing a selected wireless communication network and for generating the frequency control signal and the protocol control signal in response to a user defined criteria Among the possible user defined criteria would be (1) the cost of sending a data message, (2) the quality of transmission link (signal strength, interference actual or potential), (3) the potential for being bumped off of the system (is service provider at near full capacity), (4) the security of transmnission, (5) any special criteria which the user could variably program into his omni-modal wireless product based on the user&#39;s desires or (6) any one or more combinations of the above features that are preprogrammed, changed or overridden by the user. The disclosed invention allows wireless service providers to broadcast electronically as part of any “handshaking” procedure with a omni-modal wireless product information such as (1) rate information and (2) information regarding system operating characteristics such as percent of system capacity in use and/or likelihood of being dropped. The disclosed invention creates a user oriented source enrollment and billing service in the wireless data market by establishing uniform standard for “handshakes” to occur between cell service providers and omni-modal wireless products. In addition, the disclosed invention can be implemented on a standard chip or chipset including a radio transceiver specifically designed to be used in all types of omni-modal wireless products.

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/149,292,filed Sep. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,453, which is a division ofapplication Ser. No. 08/707,262, filed Sep. 4, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.5,854,985; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/167,003,filed Dec. 15, 1993, abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to frequency and protocol agile,wireless communication devices and systems adapted to enable voiceand/or data transmission to occur using a variety of different radiofrequencies, transmission protocols and radio infrastructures.

Many communication industry experts believe that a personal informationrevolution has begun that will have as dramatic an impact as did therise of personal computers in the 1980's. Such experts are predictingthat the personal computer will become truly “personal” by allowingvirtually instant access to information anytime or anywhere. Thereexists no consensus, however, on the pace or form of this revolution.

For example, the wireless communication industry is being fragmented bythe emergence of a substantial number of competing technologies andservices including digital cellular technologies (e.g. TDMA, E-TDMA,narrow band CDMA, and broadband CDMA), geopositioning services, one wayand two-way paging services, packet data services, enhanced specializedmobile radio, personal computing services, two-way satellite systems,cellular digital packet data (CDPD) and others. Fragmenting forceswithin the wireless communication industry have been further enhanced byregulatory actions of the U.S. government. In particular, the U.S.government is preparing to auction off portions of the radio spectrumfor use in providing personal communication services (PCS) in a largenumber of relatively small contiguous regions of the country. The U.S.government is also proposing to adopt regulations which will encouragewide latitude among successful bidders for the new radio spectrum toadopt innovative wireless technologies.

Until the market for wireless communication has experienced an extended“shake-out” period it is unlikely that a clear winner or group ofwinners will become apparent. Any portable unit which is capable ofinteracting with more than one service provider or radio infrastructurewould obviously have advantages over a portable unit which is capable ofaccessing only a single service provider. Still better would be aportable unit which could be reprogrammed to interact with a variety ofdifferent service providers. Previous attempts to provide such multimodal units have produced a variety of interesting, but less than ideal,product and method concepts.

Among the known multi-modal proposals is a portable telephone, disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,042 to Giflig et al., which is adapted to operatewith either a conventional cordless base station or cellular basestation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,360 to Suzuki discloses a cellulartelephone which is capable of switching between either an analog mode ofoperation or a digital mode of operation. Yet another approach isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,904 to Ogawara directed to an improvedmethod and apparatus for switching from a failed main radiocommunication system to a backup communication system. Still anotherproposal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,795 directed to a pagingreceiver which is capable of scanning the frequencies of a plurality ofradio common carriers to detect the broadcast of a paging message overone of the carriers serving a given geographic region. In U.S. Pat. No.5,239,701 to Ishii there is disclosed a radio receiver which isresponsive to an RF signal containing a plurality of channelfrequencies, each having broadcast information, and a circuit forproducing a wide band version of the received RF signal and a circuitfor producing a narrow band version of the received RF signal.

While multi-modal in some regard, each of the technologies disclosed inthe above, listed patents is highly specialized and limited to aspecific application. The systems disclosed are clearly non-adaptive andare incapable of being easily reconfigured to adapt to differenttransmission protocols or different radio infrastructures. Recently,Motorola has announced beta testing of a system called “MoNet” whichwill allegedly allow-users to operate on whatever wireless networkhappens to be available using protocol and frequency agile radio modems.The MoNet technology will be integrated in both networks and mobiledevices and will permit first time users to fill out an electronicapplication, transmit it, and receive a personal ID to allow the user tooperate on any of several mobile networks yet receive just one bill.Another provider of an open system is Racotek of Minneapolis, Minnesotawhich offers client server architecture designed to be portable acrossdifferent mobile devices, host platforms, and radio infrastructures.

While the limited attempts to deal with the fragmentation of thewireless communication industry have had some merits, no one has yetdisclosed a truly self adaptive, omni-modal wireless product whichenables an end user to access conveniently various wireless services inaccordance with a selection process which is sufficiently under thecontrol of the end user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fundamental objective of the subject invention is to overcome thedeficiencies of the prior art by providing a truly omni-modal wirelessproduct and method which is adaptive to the selectively variable desiresof the end user.

Another more specific object of the subject invention in the provisionof a product which would be capable of utilizing any one of the wirelessdata services within a given geographic area based on a user determinedcriteria such as: (1) the cost of sending a data message, (2) thequality of transmission link (signal strength, interference actual orpotential), (3) the potential for being dropped from the system (isservice provider at near full capacity), (4) the security oftransmission, (5) any special criteria which the user could variablyprogram into his omni-modal wireless product based on the user's desiresor (6) any one or more combinations of the above features that arepreprogrammed, changed or overridden by the user.

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an omni-modalwireless product which would allow for enormous product differentiation.For example original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) could providespecialized interface features for the end user. Each OEM could providespecialized hardware controls appropriate for various user groups.

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an omni-modalwireless product which can allow for adaptive service providerselectionbased on user experience with specific service providers.

A more specific object of the subject invention is to provide anomni-modal wireless product which would have the effect of inducingintense competition for customers among various wireless data serviceproviders based on quality of service and price by allowing the user toeasily and conveniently identify the service providers that best meetthe user's performance requirements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a network of omni-modalwireless products and service providers which is designed to provide themost business and profit making potential to the service providers whobest meet the varying demands of the greatest number of omni-modalwireless product users.

Still another objective of the subject invention is to promote andencourage introduction of innovative technology which will satisfy thedesires of end users to receive the best possible quality wirelessservice at the lowest possible cost by promoting real time adaptiveprice and service competition among cell service providers.

Another objective of the subject invention is to allow wireless serviceproviders to broadcast electronically as part of any “handshaking”procedure with a omni-modal wireless product information such as (1)rate information and (2) information regarding system operatingcharacteristics such as percent of system capacity in use and/orlikelihood of being dropped.

Still another objective of the subject invention is to create a useroriented source enrollment and billing service in the wireless datamarket by establishing uniform standard for “handshakes” to occurbetween cell service providers and omni-modal wireless products.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a standard chip orchipset including a radio transceiver specifically designed to be usedin all types of omni-modal wireless products.

A still more specific object of the invention is to provide a standardradio chip or chipset adapted for use in all types of omni-modalwireless products including a variety of operational modes includingoperation on the U.S. public analog cellular telephone network (AMPS).

Still another object of the invention is to provide a standard radiochip or chipset for use in all types of omni-modal wireless productsincluding circuitry for both voice and data communications over AMPS.Other supported communications protocols would include CDPD which is apacket data service based on the AMPS network.

These objects and others are achieved in the present invention by anomni-modal radio circuit implemented by a standard radio computing chipor chipset which can serve as a computer (special or general purpose),or as an interface to a general purpose personal computer. The chippreferably includes a modem and associated processing circuits. So thatit can perform at least basic processing functions such as displayingdata, accepting input, etc., the chip may also incorporate at least abasic microprocessor. The processor may provide only predeterminedfunctions, accessible through a standard applications programminginterface, or in more advanced designs the processor can run othersoftware or firmware added by the product maker. Exemplary processorfunctions of the chip include radio network interface control (callplacement, call answering), voice connection, data transmission, anddata input/output. The chip can be used to implement a variety ofomni-modal devices and can provide computing resources to operatefundamental communications programs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an omni-modal radiocommunications circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of an advanced cellular telephoneimplemented using an omni-modal radio communications circuit accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of a personal communicatorimplemented using an omni-modal radio communications circuit accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the front of a data transmission and displayradiotelephone implemented using an omni-compatible radio communicationscircuit;

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the back of a data transmission and displayradiotelephone implemented using an omni-compatible radio communicationscircuit;

FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of a telephone/pager implementedusing the present omni-modal radio communications circuit;

FIG. 6A is a block schematic diagram of a dual mode cellular/cordlesslandline telephone implemented using the present omni-modal radiocommunications circuit;

FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a method of operation of a dual modecellular/cordless landline telephone according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a personal computer incorporatingan omni-modal radio communications circuit;

FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram of a special purpose radio datatransmitting device implemented using an omni-modal radio communicationscircuit;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a radio system selection method by whichinformation carriers are selected according to varying specifiedcriteria;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method of broadcasting local carrierinformation to facilitate carrier selection by customers for aparticular information transmission task;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a handshake sequence for arranginginformation transmission using the omni-modal device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a modular implementation of the omni-modalradio communications circuit of the present invention installed in acellular telephone;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modular implementation of the omni-modalradio communications circuit of the present invention installed in apersonal computer;

FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram showing a system for relayingpaging signals to the omni-modal device of the present invention using acellular telephone system; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method of relaying paging signals tothe omni-modal device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of a standardized radio processing circuit 1 isshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The standardized radio processing circuit 1,shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B taken together, may be implemented on a singleVLSI chip or on a set of VLSI chips making up a chipset. As will beseen, this chip or chipset provides a standard building block which canbe used to make a plurality of consumer products that provide datatransmission capability. As will be seen later with reference to FIGS. 2through 8, by adding minimal external components to the standardizedcircuit 1, a wide variety of products can be produced. Also, as will beseen, the standardized circuit 1 can be advantageously implemented on aremovable card with a standardized interface connector or connectors, sothat it can then be selectively inserted into and removed from a varietyof devices to provide the devices with radio information transmissioncapability.

In terms of the preferred functional and operational characteristics ofcircuit 1, it is particularly significant that this circuit provides amulti-modal or omni-modal communications capability. That is, circuit 1can be adjusted by the user, or automatically under stored programcontrol, to transfer information over at least two different radiocommunications networks, and preferably all networks available in aparticular area within the frequency range of the transceiver of circuit1.

Examples of radio communications networks which circuit 1 may bedesigned to use include commercial paging networks; the U.S. cellulartelephone network or Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS); alternativecellular telephone network standards such as the European standard;digitally modulated radiotelephone systems operating under variousencoding techniques such as TDMA, CDMA, E-TDMA, and BCDMA; CellularDigital Packet Data (CDPD); Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR);ARDIS; Personal Cellular Systems (PCS); RAM; global positioning systems;FM networks which transmit stock prices or other information on subcarriers; satellite-based networks; cordless landline telephones (suchas 49 Mhz and particularly 900 Mhz systems); and wireless LAN systems.Preferably, circuit 1 is also designed to use the landline/publicswitched telephone network (PSTN).

As another feature, the omni-modal circuit 1 may perform localpositioning calculations to accurately determine its location bymonitoring precisely synchronized timing signals which may be broadcastby cell sites for this purpose. If such timing signals were provided,the omni-modal circuit 1 could receive the signals, determine therelative time delay in receiving at least three such signals fromdifferent transmitter locations, and triangulate to determine thedistance of the omni-modal circuit to each of the transmitters. If theomni-modal circuit 1 is installed in a vehicle, this information may beused to determine the location of the vehicle.

As will be seen, for each system which can be accessed by circuit 1,appropriate cross connections are provided between the radio circuit orlandline interface, as selected, and voice or data sources anddestinations. The appropriate cross connections are established underprogram control and include conversions between digital and analogsignal forms at appropriate points in cases where a signal in one formis to be transmitted using a method for which a different signal form isappropriate. The operating parameters of the transceiver may beoptimized by a digital signal processor for either voice or datatransmission.

In addition, a library of command, control and data transmissionprotocols appropriate for each supported system may be included incircuit 1, and the device can implement the correct protocols byconsulting a lookup table during transmissions to obtain the datachannel protocols appropriate to the system selected. In anotherembodiment, the library of command, control, and data transmissionprotocols may be replaced, or supplemented, by information transmittedover the radio frequencies to the device by the carrier, or informationdownloaded from a hardwired connection to another device. Flash memory,EEPROMs, or non-volatile RAM can be used to store program information,permitting replacement or updating of the operating instructions used bythe device.

As examples, the library functions accessible by the device (and also byexternal devices which may call the library functions) may include thefollowing: Select RF modulation frequency; select RF modulationprotocol; select data formatting/conditioning protocol; transmit data ininput stream using selected network and protocol; select output; selectinput; select data/voice mode; answer call; generate DTMF tones andtransmit on selected network; scan for control channels/availablesystems; obtain cost information for current selected system; obtaincost information for all systems; obtain operating quality informationfor current system; obtain operating quality information for allsystems; request transmission channel in system; obtain signal strengthfor current channel; obtain signal strength for all active systems; andinitiate a transmission on the selected network.

FIG. 1A shows a block schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of anomni-modal radio communication radio frequency (RF) circuit. In theexample shown, the RF circuit includes antenna 2, diplexer 4, amplifier6, transmit mixer 8, receiver mixer 10, programmable local oscillator12, modulation selector switches 14 and 16, analog detector-demodulator18, digital demodulator 20, analog modulator 22, digital modulator 24,voice grade channel output 26, digital output 28, voice grade channelinput 30, and digital input 32.

Voice grade channel output 26 is connected to analog detectordemodulator18 and digital output 28 is connected to digital demodulator 20. Analogdetector-demodulator 18 and digital demodulator 20 are selectivelyconnected to receiver mixer 10 through switch 14. Receiver mixer 10 isconnected to both local oscillator 12 and diplexer 4. Diplexer 4 isconnected to antenna 2. These components provide radio frequency receivecircuitry that allows selective reception and demodulation of bothanalog and digitally modulated radio signals.

Voice grade channel input 30 is connected to analog modulator 22 anddigital input 32 is connected to digital modulator 24. Analog modulator22 and, digital modulator 24 are selectively connected to transmit mixer8 through switch 16. Transmit mixer 8 is connected to both localoscillator 12 and amplifier 6. Amplifier 6 is connected to diplexer 4and diplexer 4 is connected to antenna 2. These components compriseradio frequency transmit circuitry for selective transmission of analogor digitally modulated radio signals.

The operation of the omni-modal radio communication RF circuit shown inFIG. 1A will now be described in more detail. Antenna 2 serves to bothreceive and transmit radio signals. Antenna 2 is of a design suitablefor the frequency presently being received or transmitted by the RFcircuit. In the preferred embodiment, antenna 2 may be an antennasuitable for receiving and transmitting in a broad range about 900 MhzHowever, different antennas may be provided to permit differenttransceiver ranges, including dipole, yagi, whip, micro-strip, slottedarray, parabolic reflector, or horn antennas in appropriate cases.

Diplexer 4 allows antenna 2 to receive broadcast radio signals and totransmit the received signals to the demodulators 18 and 20, and toallow modulated radio signals from modulators 22 and 24 to betransmitted over antenna 2. Diplexer 4 is designed so that signalsreceived from amplifier 6 will be propagated only to antenna 2, whilesignals received from antenna 2 will only be propagated to receivermixer 10. Diplexer 4 thus prevents powerful signals from amplifier 6from overloading and destroying receiver mixer 10 and demodulators 18and 20.

The receive path of the omni-modal RF circuit comprises receiver mixer10, which is connected to, and receives an input signal from, diplexer4. Receiver mixer 10 also receives a reference frequency from localoscillator 12. Receiver mixer 10 converts the signal received fromdiplexer 4 to a lower frequency signal and outputs this intermediatefrequency on output line 36 to switch 14. Switch 14 is connected throughcontrol line 38 to a microprocessor (not shown). Control line 38selectively controls switch 14 to pass the intermediate frequency signalon output line 36 to either analog detector-demodulator 18 or to digitaldemodulator 20. This selection is controlled based upon the type ofsignal currently being received. For example, if the omni-modal circuit1 is tuned to analog communication system, switch 14 would be connectedto analog detector demodulator 18. If, however, the omni-modal circuit 1is receiving a digital modulated signal, switch 14 would be in a stateto allow an intermediate frequency on output line 36 to be transmittedto digital demodulator 20.

Analog detector demodulator 18 receives analog signals through switch 14from receiver mixer 10 on output line 36. Analog detector demodulatorconverts the RF modulated signal received as an intermediate frequencyinto a voice grade channel or VGC. The voice grade channel may comprisean audio frequency spectrum going from approximately 0 Hz toapproximately 4 KHz. Analog detector demodulator 18 is designed fordemodulation of analog radio frequency signals. For example, analogdetector demodulator would be capable of demodulating a frequencymodulated (FM) radio signals. Analog detector demodulator 18 may also becapable of demodulating amplitude modulated (AM) radio signals.

Digital demodulator 20 is designed to demodulate digital signalsreceived from receiver mixer 10 through switch 14. Digital demodulator20 is designed to demodulate digital signals such as, for example, pulsecode modulation (PCM), time division multiple access (TDMA), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), extended time division multiple access(E-TDMA) and broad band code division multiple access (BCDMA) signals.The output 28 from digital demodulator 20 could consist of a digital bitstream.

The transmit circuitry of the omni-modal RF circuit will now bedescribed in detail Analog voice grade channel signals can be receivedover analog input 30 which is connected to analog modulator 22. Analogmodulator 22 acts to modulate the received voice grade channel onto anintermediate frequency signal carrier. Analog modulator 22 would becapable of modulating frequency modulation (FM) or amplitude modulation(AM) signals, for example.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, analog modulator 22 is connected to switch16. The intermediate frequency output from analog modulator 22 on outputline 42 is sent to switch 16. Switch 16 is connected to a microprocessor(not shown) in a manner similar to switch 14 described above. Switch 16is capable of selectively connecting transmit mixer 8 to either analogmodulator 22 or digital modulator 24. When switch 16 is connected toanalog modulator 22 through output line 42, analog modulated signals aretransmitted to transmit mixer 8.

Digital input can be received by the transmit portion of the RFmodulator circuitry through digital input 32. Digital input 32 isconnected to digital modulator 24 which acts to modulate the receiveddigital data onto an intermediate frequency RF carrier. Digitalmodulator 24 may preferably be capable of modulating the signal into aPCM, TDMA, E-TDMA, CDMA and BCDMA format. The output 44 of digitalmodulator 24 is connected to switch 16. Switch 16 can be controlledthrough control line 40 to select the digital modulated signal on output44 and to selectively transmit that signal to transmit mixer 8.

Transmit mixer 8 is connected to programmable local oscillator 12 whichis capable of generating frequencies that cover the frequency spectrumof the desired communication systems. Transmit mixer 8 operates in amanner well known in the art to convert the intermediate frequencysignal received from switch 16 to a radio frequency for transmissionover a radio communication system. The output of transmit mixer 8 isconnected to amplifier 6. Amplifier 6 acts to amplify the signal toinsure adequate strength for the signal to be transmitted to the remotereceiving station. Amplifier 6 may be connected to control circuitry toallow the power output of amplifier 6 to be varied in accordance withcontrol signals received from the control circuitry. The output ofamplifier 6 is connected to diplexer 4 and, as described above, toantenna 2.

FIG. 1B is a block schematic diagram of the input and control circuitryof omni-modal circuit 1. As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the input andcontrol circuitry comprises speaker 100, microphone 102, voiceprocessing circuitry 104, digital to analog converter 106, analog todigital converter 108, first selection switch 122, microprocessor 110,memory 112, data input 114, data output 116, data processing circuitry118, second selector switch 120 and modem 124.

Microprocessor 110 is connected to memory 112 and operates to controlthe input circuitry as well as the programmable local oscillator 12 andswitches 14 and 16 shown in FIG. 1A. Memory 112 can contain both datastorage and program information for microprocessor 110. Microprocessor110 may be any suitable microprocessor such as an Intel 80X86 orMotorola 680X0 processor. Memory 112 contains a program that allowsmicroprocessor 110 to selectively operate the voice processingcircuitry, data processing circuitry and switches to select theappropriate transmission channel for the communication signal currentlybeing processed. In this manner, microprocessor 110 allows omni-modalcircuit 1 to selectively operate on a plurality of radio communicationsystems.

As can be seen in FIG. 1B, an externally provided speaker 100 andmicrophone 102 are connected to voice processing circuitry 104. Voiceprocessing circuitry 104 has output 142 and input 144. Voice processingoutput 142 is connected to switch 122. Similarly, voice processing input144 is connected to switch 122. Switch 122, which may be an electronicanalog switch, comprises two single pole double throw switches whichoperate in tandem to selectively connect voice output 142 and voiceinput 144 to appropriate data lines. Switch 122 is connected throughcontrol line 146 to microprocessor 110. Control line 146 allowsmicroprocessor 110 to selectively operate switch 122 in response tocommands received from the user or in response to a program in memory112. In a first position, switch 122 connects voice processing input 144to voice grade channel output 126. Referring to FIG. 1A, voice gradeoutput 126 is connected to the output 26 of analog detector demodulator18. In this manner, voice processing circuitry 104 is able to receivedemodulated analog voice signals from analog detector demodulator 18.When voice processing input 144 is connected to 126, voice processingoutput 142 will be connected to voice input 130. As can be seen in FIG.1A, voice input 130 is connected to voice grade channel input 30 ofanalog modulator 22. In this manner, voice processing circuitry 104 cantransmit voice through the transmit circuitry of FIG. 1A.

If switch 122 is changed to its alternate state, voice processing input144 will be connected to digital to analog converter 106. Digital toanalog converter 106 is connected to digital input 128 which, referringto FIG. 1A, is connected to digital output 28 of digital demodulator 20.Digital to analog converter 106 acts to receive a digital informationbit stream on digital input 128 and to convert it to an analog voicegrade channel. The analog voice grade channel from digital to analogconverter 106 is sent through voice input 144 to voice processingcircuitry 104. Voice processing circuitry 104 can then amplify or alterthe voice grade channel signal to the taste of the user and outputs thesignal on speaker 100. Voice processing output 142 is connected toanalog to digital converter 108 which in turn is connected to digitaloutput 132. Digital output 132 is connected in FIG. 1A to digital input32 and to digital modulator 24. In this manner, voice processingcircuitry 104 is capable of transmitting a voice or other analog voicegrade channel signal through a digital modulation system.

As noted above, omni-modal circuit 1 is capable of transmitting dataover a plurality of radio frequency communication systems. As can beseen in FIG. 1B, data input 114 and data output 116 are connected todata processing circuitry 118. Data input 114 allows the processingcircuitry to receive data from any number of user devices. The format ofthe data received on data input 114 may be variable or standardizeddepending on the circuitry provided in data processing circuitry 118.For example, data input 114 may use a standard RS-232 serial interfaceto receive data from a user device. Data input 114 may also use aparallel twisted pair or HPIB interface as well Data output 116similarly transmits data in a format compatible with the equipment beingused by the user. Data processing circuitry 118 is connected tomicroprocessor 110 which acts to control the formatting and conditioningof the data done by data processing circuitry 118. For example, dataprocessing circuitry 118 may add protocol information or errorcorrection bits to the data being received on data input 114.Conversely, data processing circuitry 118 may act to remove overheadbits such as protocol or error correction bits from the data prior toits output on data output 116. Data processing circuitry 118 isconnected to switch 120 through data output 150 and data input 152.Switch 120 operates in a manner similar to that described with respectto switch 122 above. Switch 120 is connected to microprocessor 110through control line 148. Microprocessor 110 operates to control switch120 to selectively connect the data output 150 to either digital circuitoutput 140 or to modem input 156. Switch 120 also operates to connectdigital data input 152 to either digital input 138 or digital modemoutput 154. Modem 124 may be any standard modem used to modulate digitaldata onto an analog voice grade channel. For example, modem 124 mayincorporate a modem chip set manufactured by Rockwell InternationalCorporation that receives digital data and modulates it into a 4 KHzband width for transmission over standard telephone systems. Modem input156 receives data from data processing circuitry 118 through data input152 and switch 120. The data received over modem input 156 is modulatedonto a voice grade channel and output on modulated modem output 136.Modulated modem output 136 is connected to voice grade channel input 30of analog modulator 22 shown in FIG. 1A. Similarly, digital modem output154 receives demodulated baseband signal from modem 124. The modulateddata signal is received by modem 124 from modem input 134, which isconnected to voice grade channel output 26 of analog detectordemodulator 18. Modem 124 acts to demodulate the data received overmodem input 134 and outputs a digital data stream on digital modemoutput 154. This digital data stream is connected through switch 120 anddata input 152 to data processing circuitry 118. As described above,data processing circuitry 118 conditions and formats the data receivedfrom the modem and outputs the data to the user on data output 116. Ifthe user has selected a digital RF transmission system, it is notnecessary to use modem 124. In this case, switch 120 is operated so thatthe digital data output 150 from data processing circuitry 118 isconnected through digital output 140. Digital output 140 is connected todigital input 32 of digital modulator 24 shown in FIG. 1A. Similarly,data input 152 to data processing circuitry 118 is connected throughdigital input 138 to digital output 28 of digital demodulator 20 shownin FIG. 1A.

As is readily apparent from the above discussion, FIGS. 1A and 1Btogether depict a radio frequency communication system that is capableof operating over a plurality of different radio channels and is farthercapable of transmitting either analog or digital data informationsignals as well as analog or digital voice signals. The system is alsocapable of transmitting a 4 Khz voice grade channel having both data andvoice simultaneously present.

FIG. 1B broadly depicts the operation of the circuit which involves theselection by the microprocessor 110 of either a voice or data call. Oncethis selection is made, the data is then sent to the RF modulationcircuitry shown in FIG. 1A. The RF modulation circuitry is capable ofmodulating or demodulating either analog or digital signals.

Circuit 1 is designed to facilitate product differentiation by companiesmaking use of circuit 1 as a standard building block for radio voiceand/or data communications devices. For example, each manufacturer mayprovide specialized interface features for the user, and specializedhardware controls appropriate for various user groups. Circuit 1 isparticularly advantageous in facilitating these goals in that itprovides microprocessor 110 and memory 112 that allow manufacturers tocustomize the operation of the circuit with little or no additionalcomponents. Furthermore, circuit 1 could be preprogrammed with a seriesof primitives that would allow a manufacturer to quickly and easilyintegrate the complex features of the device into a use friendlyconsumer product.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a block schematic diagram of an advancedcellular telephone implemented using an omni-modal radio communicationcircuit 1 shown in FIG. 1 is depicted. The omni-modal radiocommunication circuit of FIGS. 1A and 1B is shown in outline form asreference number 1. Also shown in FIG. 2 are speaker 100, microphone102, digital data input 114, digital data output 116 and universaldigital input/output interface 158. As can be seen from FIG. 2, thepresent radio communications circuit allows a cellular phone to beconstructed with the addition of minimal components. The advancedcellular phone of FIG. 2 includes keypad 202, display 204 and interfaceconnector 206. Keypad 202 and display 204 are connected to interfaceconnector 206. Interface connector 206 connects with the universaldigital input/output interface 158 which connects to the omni-modalradio communications circuit 1 depicted in more detail in FIGS. 1A and1B. Keypad 202 may be any keypad used with telephone devices. Similarly,display 204 can be any display used with standard cellular telephones orother computing devices. For example, display 204 could be alight-emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) as commonlyused with telephones, calculators and/or watches.

As shown in FIG. 2, keypad 202 and display 204 connect through interfaceconnector 206 to universal digital input/output interface 158 of theomni-modal RF circuit. The universal digital input/output interface 158allows the omni-modal circuit 1 to be connected with a variety ofelectronic devices including keypad 202 and display 204. It iscontemplated that universal digital input/output interface 158 maycomprise one connector or a plurality of connectors each havingdifferent data protocols transmitted and received therein. For example,universal input/output interface 158 may include a keyboard or keypadinterface circuit as well as a display interface circuit. The keypadinterface circuit would include necessary circuitry for buffering keystrokes and receiving key input data from a keyboard. The display drivercircuitry would include a memory and processor necessary for the displayof data stored in the display memory. In this manner, the omni-modalcircuit 1 is capable of interacting with many different keypads anddisplay devices. In one preferred embodiment, the universal interfaceconnector includes a serial addressable interface wherein the componentsconnected to the serial interface have a unique address byte assigned toeach component. This allows the serial interface to communicate with aplurality of devices sequentially. Keypad 202 for example may beassigned an address byte of 001, while display 204 would be assignedaddress byte of 002. When the universal interface desires to communicatefrom microprocessor 110 shown in FIG. 1B with the keypad or display, theappropriate address would be included in the data sent to the universalinterface connector. Keypad 202 and display 204 would monitor the datacoming across the universal interface 158 and would respond only tothose bytes having an appropriate address corresponding to the selectivedevice.

The advanced cellular phone of FIG. 2 includes digital data input 114and digital data output 116. This allows the phone to transmit digitalcomputer data without the need of bulky external interface devices. Forexample, it is often necessary to use a tip and ring interface emulatorto communicate over a cellular network from a computer or other datasource. With the present invention, however, it is only necessary toconnect to the digital data input 114 and to the digital data output116. The data protocol used on these may be any protocol suitable fordata communication, but in the preferred embodiment would be a RS 232serial interface. By connecting a computer serial interface port to datainput 114 and data output 116, data may be transmitted using theomni-modal circuit 1. The microprocessor 110 and memory 112 shown inFIG. 1B would configure the internal circuitry of the omni-modal circuitfor data transmission.

Also shown in FIG. 2 are speaker 100 and microphone 102. Speaker 100 andmicrophone 102 may be standard speakers and microphones used on cellulartelephones and are adapted to allow the omni-modal circuit 1 to transmitvoice communications over a cellular radio network.

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of a personal communicatorimplemented through the use of the omni-modal circuit 1 shown in FIGS.1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, the personal communicator includesomni-modal circuit 1, personal communicator computing circuitry 302,telephone handset 318, and interface circuitry comprising data input114, data output 116, and universal interface 158.

The personal communicator computing circuitry 302 includes display 304,microprocessor 306, memory 308, input device 316, data interface jack310 and RJ-11 jack 312. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the microprocessor 306is connected to the display 304, the memory 308, the input device 316and to the data interface jack 310 and RJ-11 jack 312.

The personal communicator computing circuitry 302 acts to allow the userto interface and process data in a manner known to those of skill in theart For example, display 304 may include an LCD display panel and may becolor or black and white. Microprocessor 306 may include an Intel 80X86microprocessor or any other microprocessor manufactured by Intel orMotorola or other computer processing chip manufacturers. Memory 308includes random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) necessaryfor the functioning of the computing device. Input device 316 may be akeyboard or a pen-based interface or other interface including voicerecognition that allows for data to be input to the personalcommunicator computing circuitry 302. Microprocessor 306 is interfacedthrough data interface jack 310 to data input 114 and data output 116 ofthe omni-modal circuit. This allows the personal communicator computingcircuitry 302 to transmit data using the omni-modal circuit 1. Also, asseen in FIG. 3, microprocessor 306 is connected through universalinterface 158 to microprocessor 110 in the omni-modal circuit 1. Thispermits the microprocessors 306 and 110 to exchange control andoperating information with each other. Should the microprocessor desireto make a data call, microprocessor 306 can instruct the microprocessor110 shown in FIG. 1B of the omni-modal circuit 1 to initiate a data callthrough a designated service provider. In response to such command frommicroprocessor 306, microprocessor 110 shown in FIG. 1B may initiate aswitching action and configure the omni-modal circuit 1 to transmit dataover a selected service provider. To increase the flexibility of thepersonal communicator computing device, an RJ-11 jack 312 is included.The RJ-11 jack is connected to the data lines from the microprocessor306 and allows the personal communicator computing device to transmitdata over a standard landline telephone.

In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, theomni-modal circuit 1 can transmit data over a landline telephone lineusing RJ-11 jack 312 and modem 124 shown in FIG. 1B. The microprocessor306 of the personal communicator computing device would transmit datathrough data interface jack 310 and data input 114 to the omni-modalcircuit 1. The omni-modal circuit 1, would receive the data at the dataprocessing circuitry 118 and transmit the data through data output 150and modem input 156 to modem 124 shown in FIG. 1B. Modem 124 would thenmodulate the data onto a voice grade channel and transmit the modulateddata signal on modem output 154 through switch 120 and data input 152 todata processing circuitry 118. The data processing unit may thentransmit the data over data output 116 and into microprocessor 306through interface jack 310 shown in FIG. 3. The microprocessor 306 maythen route the data through auxiliary data output line 314 to RJ-11 jack312. In this manner, the personal communicator computing circuitry 302is able to send data over standard landline telephone lines without theuse of a second additional modern. The modem in the omni-modal circuit 1serves two functions allowing the personal communicator user to senddata through his standard landline wall jack or over a wireless networkdepending on the availability of each at the time the user desires tosend the data.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is handset 318. In the preferred embodiment of thepersonal communicator, the speaker 100 and microphone 102 would beembodied in a separate handset 318. This handset 318 would connect tothe omni-modal circuit 1 through an appropriate interface connection

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a communication device 402 employing theomni-modal circuit 1 of the present invention, and having an integrateddisplay device for conveying information to a user. FIG. 4A shows thefront of the communication device 402 that could serve as a cellularphone. The device 402 includes speaker 100, antenna 2, microphone 102and key pad buttons 406. In this regard, the external features of thedevice are similar to those of a standard commercially availablecellular phone. As shown in FIG. 4B, the device is unique in that itincorporates an expanded display 404 and control buttons 408, 410, 412for the display of information to the user. For example, the display 404could convey airline flight information to the user while they areconnected with an airline representative. In response to a user request,the airline representative could transmit flight information to theuser's communication device 402, which would then display thisinformation on the display 404. The user could then cycle through theinformation using increment button 408 and decrement button 410. Whenthe user desired to select a given flight, they could indicate assent bypressing the enter button 412. This information would then betransmitted digitally to the airline representative's computer.

The capabilities of the omni-modal circuit 1 facilitate its use in adevice as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Since the device is programmablethrough the use of microprocessor 110 and memory 112 (FIG. 1B), it iscapable of switching between voice and data modes of operation. Thisallows the user to conduct a voice conversation and then to receive datafor display on the integrated display device. Alternatively, theomni-modal circuit could access another communication service to receivedata for display, or it might receive data over a subchannel during theconversation This would be particularly advantageous if the user desiredto continue a voice call while continuing to receive data information,as in the case of the airline flight selection example given above.

Referring next to FIG. 5, a block schematic diagram of a telephone/pagerdevice using the omni-modal circuit 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG.5, the telephone/page device includes keypad 502, display 504 andcontrol circuitry 506. The keypad 502 is connected to control circuitry506. Display 504 is also connected to control circuitry 506. Controlcircuitry 506 is further connected through universal digitalinput/output interface 158 to the microprocessor 110 of the omni-modalcircuit shown in FIG. 1B.

The combination telephone/pager device shown in FIG. 5 is generallysimilar in design to the advanced cellular telephone shown in FIG. 2.One particularly advantageous aspect of the omni-modal circuit 1 is itsability to provide a great degree of flexibility in the design andimplementation of communication circuits. For different implementationsexternal to the omni-modal circuit, the memory 112 shown in FIG. 1B canbe reprogrammed to provide different functions through microprocessor110 for the universal digital interface 158.

In FIG. 5, the telephone/pager implementation includes control circuitry506 which receives information through the universal digital interface158 from microprocessor 110. The control circuitry can then determinewhether or not a page signal has been received by the omni-modal circuit1 and if so it can display the appropriate information on display 504.If, however, control circuitry 506 receives information frommicroprocessor 110 that a telephone call has been received or is beingused, then control circuitry 506 can appropriately display the telephoneinformation on display 504. Similarly, control circuitry 506 can receiveinformation from keypad 502 and selectively process this informationdepending on the current mode of operation For example, if the deviceshown in FIG. 5 is in pager mode, control circuitry 506 may allow keypadinput to cycle through stored paging messages. If however, the deviceshown in FIG. 5 is in telephone mode, control circuitry 506 may processthe keypad information received from keypad 502 as telephone commandsand transmit control signals through interface 158 to microprocessor 110to cause a telephone call to be placed. Further, control circuitry 506can actuate alarm 508 which may be a audible alarm such as a beeping ora vibration generator. Alarm 508 serves to notify the user when atelephone call or page is received.

FIG. 6A is a block schematic diagram of a dual mode cellular/cordlesslandline telephone is disclosed. The dual mode device includes key pad602, optional display 604, handset 606, and interface connector 608. Thekey pad 602 and optional display 604 are connected to microprocessor 110(FIG. 1B) through interface connector 608 and universal digitalinterface 158.

Key pad 602 allows a user to provide information to microprocessor 110for operating the dual mode device. For example, the user may operatethe key pad to indicate that a certain call should be made on thecordless telephone network and not on the cellular network. To thecontrary, the user may specify that the cellular network was to be usedby operating the key pad 602 to so indicate.

One particularly preferred embodiment of a dual mode device may beprogrammed to allow for automatic selection of either a cellularcommunications network or a cordless telephone landline network This isparticularly advantageous in that a cordless telephone landline networkis often considerably cheaper to access than is a cellular telephonenetwork. Therefore, if the device will automatically access a cordlesstelephone network whenever one available, and use the cellular networkonly we absolutely necessary, the user can achieve substantial savingswhile still having a single, portable, communications unit that operatesover a large geographic area. If the user requests service while withinhis home, for example, the cordless telephone system would be used andthe user would be charged a minimal amount. If the user were to place acall while away from his home a greater charge would be incurred. Theuser, however, would use the same communications equipment regardless ofwhere the service was used, and the service selection would appeartransparent to the user.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart of one method that may be used to implement thisembodiment. The process of FIG. 6B begins 650 by determining if the userhas activated the device to request communications services 652. If theuser has not requested communication services, the devices continues tocheck for a user request. If a user request is detected, the device thendetermines if it is within range of a cordless telephone landline system654. If the device is within range of a cordless telephone landlinesystem, then the device services the user's request using the cordlesslandline communication system 662 and the process terminates 664. If thedevice is not within range of a cordless landline network, then thedevice determines if it is within the service range of a cellular phonesystem 656. If the device is within range, the user's request isserviced using the cellular phone system 660 and the process terminates664. If the device is not within range of a cellular system then thedevice issues an alert to the user to indicate that no service isavailable 658 and the process terminates 664.

Although FIG. 6A and the above discussion focus on a dual modecellular/cordless landline telephone, it should be understood that the adevice in accordance with the present invention may include the abilityto access additional communication systems. For example, it may bedesirable to have a device substantially as shown in FIG. 6A, but havingthe ability to access a personal communication service (PCS) network inaddition to the cellular and cordless landline systems. This would allowthe user to achieve further cost savings while seamlessly movingthroughout a given geographic area.

Referring next to FIG. 7, a block schematic diagram of a personalcomputer 702 incorporating an omni-modal circuit 1 is shown. As can beseen in FIG. 7, computer 702 includes antennae 2 and an interface port704 that allows for a integrated circuit card to be inserted into thecomputer. As shown in FIG. 7, the interface port 704 has installedtherein a removable card 701 comprising an omni-modal circuit 1. Theomni-modal radio communications card 701 includes connector 706, whichmay include data input 114, data output 116 and universal digitalinterface 158 shown in FIG. 1B. This connector allows the omni-modalradio interface card 701 to communicate with the computer through acorresponding mating connector 708 inside the personal communicator.This allows the microprocessor 110 on the omni-modal radiocommunications card 701 to communicate with the memory andmicroprocessor contained in the computer 702. In a preferred embodiment,the omni-modal radio communications card 701 is in the form of a PCMCIAcard adapted to interface into a standard slot in a portable or othercomputing device. FIG. 7 also shows an optional telephone handset 710which may be interfaced to the radio communication interface card 701.Optional handset 710 includes speaker 100 and microphone 102, and servesto allow for voice communication over radio network service providersthat provide such capability.

The omni-modal radio communication card 701 also has an external RJ-11data jack 712. The external RJ-11 data jack 712 allows omni-modalcommunications card 701 to transmit data over a telephone landlinecircuit using a common RJ-11 interface cable. Omni-modal communicationscard 701 includes a modem 124 in FIG. 1B for modulating digital dataonto a voice grade channel suitable for transmission over a landlinetelephone connection.

Therefore, the radio communications card 701 serves as a modem to thepersonal computer and a separate modem card or external modem is notnecessary in order to transmit data over a landline jack. Themicroprocessor 110 in the omni-modal circuit card 701 allows thecircuitry to select either landline transmission via external RJ-11 jack712 or cellular radio transmission through antennae 2. This may beaccomplished for example through an analog switch circuit as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,457, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram of a special purpose radio datatransmitting device 801 that is implemented using the omni-modalcircuit. It is often desirable to be able to construct a device thatwill be capable of operating to send data wirelessly. For example, itmay be desirable to include such a device in a vending machine orgasoline pump. Device 801 may then relay data at a predetermined timeconcerning the amount of consumables (e.g. food, beverages, gasoline,etc.) still remaining in stock. In this manner, it is not necessary tohave a person physically inspect the device and evaluate the remainingstock, which would be considerably more expensive.

The omni-modal circuit 1 of the present invention can be used toimplement a system as described above. Referring to FIG. 8, theomni-modal circuit 1 is connected to a data source 802 through datalines 806 comprising data input line 114 and data output line 116.Additionally, microprocessor 110 (FIG. 1B) is connected to the datasource through universal digital interface 158 and control line 804. Theresulting omni-modal device 801 can be programmed to access a selectedcommunications service at a periodic interval and to transmit data fromthe data source at that time. This function can be included in thelibrary of functions available on circuit 1. After accessing thecommunications service, microprocessor 110 may instruct data source 802using control line 804 to transmit data over data lines 806. Of course,the omni-modal device 801 will have the circuits necessary to use aplurality of different transmission networks. However, because of massproduction and the availability of predetermined designs it may bedesirable to use the standard building block circuit 1 to implementlimited-purpose devices which will be used with only one or two systems,even though these limited purpose devices will use only a portion of thebuilt-in capabilities of circuit 1.

In addition to functions directly related to radio communications andmodulation, the library may desirably include other functions whichenable desirable computing features. For example, data displaying,electronic mail storage, retrieval, and composition, and other computingfunctions may be included in the library. In addition, if a high poweredprocessor is provided, the library may be expanded to includesubstantial operating system functions so that circuit 1 can be used toconstruct full-fledged personal computers and personal communicatorscapable of running third party applications programs.

As described above, circuit 1 will be capable of utilizing any one ofthe wireless data services within a given geographic area. The selectionof the service to be used can be made manually by the user, or can beselected automatically. Referring to FIG. 9, circuit 1 may have apreprogrammed routine for selecting information carriers based onvarying criteria. As shown in FIG. 9, the criteria for selecting acarrier may be varied by the user. Possible criteria include the cost ofsending a data message; quality of transmission link (signal strength,interference actual or potential); available bandwidth on a carrier fordata transmission (or transmission speed supported); potential for beingbumped off the system or having transmissions delayed (that is, is theservice provider at nearly full capacity); security of transmission; orother special criteria which the user or the device may establish basedon the user's individual priorities. As another example, the length of adata message to be transmitted may be considered as a factor inselecting the carrier. If the length of the proposed message is madeknown to circuit 1, this information can be used in conjunction withpricing information to determine the lowest cost route. For example, forvery short messages a paging service or cellular digital packet data(CDPD) service might be selected. For longer messages, such as fax ordata file transmission, a circuit switched connection with high speeddata transfer capacity (such as AMPS cellular) may be morecost-effective.

Information about the costs and services offered by carriers in the areawill be made available to the omni-modal circuit 1 for use in thiscompetitive selection process, either through pre-programming by theuser or selling organization or by transmission of the information in amanner described elsewhere herein.

The carrier may be selected by any one of the characteristics of theavailable competing carriers. For example, a given user may be pricesensitive, and wish to always employ the lowest cost transmissionmethod. Another user may have time-critical communications needs (e.g.securities trading or news reporting) and may prefer the most reliableor the highest speed transfer regardless of price.

In determining the cost of a particular transmission, circuit 1preferably first determines the type and quantity of data to betransmitted. For example, if the user has selected a function oftransmitting a file or an electronic mail message, circuit 1 willdetermine the length of the message and file. This information is thenused in determining the projected cost of transmitting the data on eachsystem For example, for a short E-mail message, the expected cost for anAMPS cellular system will be the cost of making a one-minute call. For apacket radio system, the expected cost will be the length of the messagedivided by the number of characters per packet, times the cost perpacket. As long as the basis for carrier charges is provided to circuit1, the cost factors relevant for any particular message can becalculated. Thus, circuit 1 can intelligently predict relative costs oftransmitting over various networks and can operate with a low-costpreference dependent on characteristics of an individual message.Different low-cost transmission modes are appropriately selected formessages having different characteristics.

A more sophisticated approach than pure low-cost selection allows theuser to assign weights to different competitive factors (price, signalclarity, transmission speed or other factors) depending on theindividual preferences and needs of the user. Based on the assignedweights, the circuit then calculates a “score” for each available systemand selects the system with the highest score. As an example, a user mayinstruct the circuit to select carriers based 60% on the ratio of thelowest price to the price of the particular carrier and 40% onnormalized signal strength. If the cost to send the message on System Iis $0.50 (signal strength 2), the cost on System II is $0.60 (signalstrength 4), the cost on System III is $0.85 (signal strength 5) and thecost on System IV is $0.50 (signal strength 1) circuit 1 would calculatescores of:0.60 (0.50/0.50)+0.40 (2/5)=0.76  System I:0.60 (0.50/0.60)+0.40 (4/5)=0.82  System II:0.60 (0.50/0.85)+0.40 (5/5)=0.75  System III:0.60 (0.50/0.50)+0.40 (1/5)=0.68  System IV:so System II would be selected. With the same systems available, if theuser preferred a selection based 80% on cost and only 20% on signalquality, the scores would be0.80 (0.50/0.50)+0.20 (2/5)=0.88  System I:0.80 (0.50/0.60)+0.20 (4/5)=0.83  System II:0.80 (0.50/0.85)+0.20 (5/5)=0.67  System III:0.80 (0.50/0.50)+0.20 (1/5)=0.84  System IV:and System I would be selected. Of course, the application of thisweighted selection criteria is not limited to, and is not necessarilybased on, price and signal strength. Any number of criteria, includingthese or others, can be considered in a formula to meet the individualuser's needs. The criteria for a particular user are stored in a userprofile in the memory of circuit 1. Preferably, a default user profilecorresponding to the preferences of a large number of users isestablished. Then, the individual user can change his or her userprofile to establish different selection parameters and preferences atany time through appropriate input to circuit 1.

Particularly desirable selection algorithms may also take multiplefactors into account by employing branching algorithms to select thecarrier. For example, one multistage selection process based on multiplecriteria would operate as follows. Initially, systems which areincapable of performing the desired function would be eliminated fromconsideration. For example, if the user wants to place a voice call,data-only systems would not be considered. As another example, if theuser wants to send a fax to a customer and a given network has nocapability of transmitting fax information to a specified telephonenumber, that system would not be considered for the proposed task. Next,among the systems available, circuit 1 may predict the lowest cost routebased on a formula accounting for the message length and the costs ofthe available systems, including consideration of any long-distancesurcharges implied by the destination of the information transfer.Finally, users may also prefer that circuit 1 automatically avoidselecting carriers which are suffering performance degradations becauseof capacity limits, or which have a particularly weak signal at thelocation of the user. In this way, if the carrier which would otherwisebe preferred will not be able to provide a fast, accurate informationtransfer at the time from the user's location, the carrier that is the“next best” according to the primary programmed selection criteria (costin this example) may be automatically selected. A trade-off betweensignal quality and cost may also be arbitrated by the weighting methoddescribed above.

Preferably, any one or combination of the above selection criteria isavailable in the circuit 1 and the selection criteria can be selected,programmed, changed or overridden by the user. Adaptive service providerselection may be implemented based on user experience. That is, theinformation transmission track record of circuit 1 with a particularservice provider (e.g. error rate, dropped connections, transmissiontime) can be stored and updated, and this information can be used as aweighted factor in selecting service providers. In this way, serviceproviders providing poor services can be avoided in cases where moredesirable alternatives are available.

The market and consumer implications of the present invention aresubstantial, in that the circuits and methods of the present inventiontend to introduce intense competition for customers among variouswireless carriers. The present invention automatically identifiesservice providers that best meet the user's performance requirements. Inthis way, service providers that meet the varying demands of the mostuser will have a large market share and maintain full usage of theiravailable frequency spectrum. The invention therefore allows the usersto drive the market by creating price and service competition amongcarriers.

In addition, the omni-modal capability of the present inventionfacilitates a free market for the use of frequency spectrum. Circuit 1can be activated to select a specified channel frequency, but may beactivated to use command, control, and data protocols on that channelthat are normally appropriate for different channels, if the carriercontrolling the frequency has authorized another carrier to temporarilyuse the first carrier's channel. As an example, a local AMPS cellulartelephone carrier may have open channels, which may be temporarily“rented” to a Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) carrier which isexperiencing heavy traffic on its assigned channels. The SMR carrier maythen direct persons requesting SMR service to operate on the “rented”channel, but using SMR protocols rather than the AMPS protocols whichwould normally be appropriate to that channel. This method of operationmaximizes the efficient use of available frequencies by allowingcarriers to shrink and expand the number of channels available based oncurrent demand. During rush hours, when AMPS traffic is high, additionalchannels might be reallocated to AMPS by market forces; that is, theAMPS carrier will rent additional channels from under-utilized carriersto provide the services desired by the public at that time. At othertimes, demand for other systems may increase, and AMPS or other carriersmay rent their under-utilized bandwidth to carriers having a substantialdemand. This might occur, for example, if a network providing statusreporting services from remotely located equipment (vending machines,gas pumps, etc.) is designed to transmit a large volume of data duringlate night or early morning hours. If the remotely located equipment isprovided with an omni-tunable device, the status report network can rentchannels from other carriers and use multiple channels to service itscustomers. In this way, economic incentives are established to ensurethat airwave channels are assigned to their most productive use at alltimes, and the anti-competitive effects of carrier monopoliesestablished by FCC channel assignments are reduced.

Referring to FIG. 9, one method for evaluating system selection isshown. The process begins 902 with the determination by the omni-modalcircuit 1 of whether a data of voice service is desired 904. If a dataservice is desired, the circuit 1 obtains price information 908 for theavailable data service providers. If a voice service is desired, thecircuit 1 obtains voice pricing information 906. Once this pricinginformation is obtained, the circuit 1 evaluates the information to makea service provider selection based on the criteria supplied from theuser. Once this selection is made, circuit I is configured for accessingthe selected service provider 912 and establishes a connection with thatprovider 914. Once the user has completed his use of the selectedservice provider, the process ends 916.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing steps useful in a method according to thepresent invention for “advertising” available carrier services in ageographic area. In this method, wireless service providers broadcastelectronically, as part of any “handshaking” procedure with anomni-modal product, information such as rate information, informationspecifying system operating characteristics such as system utilization,the likelihood of being dropped, and other factors noted above which maybe desirably considered in carrier selection. This information may bebroadcast in each geographical region by a jointly operated orgovernment-operated transmitter operating at a predetermined frequency.Circuit 1 may then be operated to scan the predetermined “serviceadvertising” channel and obtain necessary information for use inselecting carriers. On a government-operated channelgovernment-collected statistics on the operation of the various carriersin the area may be transmitted as a consumer service to furtherencourage service competition and assist users in selecting the mostappropriate carrier.

Alternatively, individual carriers may broadcast pricing information onindividual command channels. Pricing can be changed on a dynamic basisto maintain a desired system load level. In fact, in one preferredembodiment, an automated price negotiation can be performed in which thecircuit 1 transmits an indication of the type and amount of informationwhich is to be transmitted, and the carrier responds by quoting a pricefor the transmission. Such quotes can be obtained from multiple carriersand the lowest cost transmission mode can be selected, or the quotedprices can be factored into an equation that considers other factors inaddition to price, as disclosed previously. As part of this scheme,radio carriers may implement a dynamic demand curve evaluation programin which system load and profitability are constantly monitored. Theevaluation programs may also monitor the percentage of requested quoteswhich are not accepted. In this way, the radio carrier's system candynamically adjust prices to maximize revenue to the carrier at alltimes, based on a real-time model of the current demand curve forairtime service in the area.

One method in which system information could be distributed to users isshown in FIG. 10. The process starts 1002 by contacting a selectedservice provider 1004. The service provider provides information to acentral location as discussed above. Once the information for the fistselected service provider is complete, the process determines if otherservice providers exist 1008. If other providers exist, the process 1004and 1006 is repeated for each additional service provider. When serviceinformation is compiled for all service providers, the process compilesand formats the information into a standard reporting form the isunderstandable to all mobile units 1010. The process then determines theproper modulating frequency and protocol for the desired geographic area1012 and broadcasts this information to all mobile users on the selectedfrequency and using the selected protocol 1014. Once the information hasbeen broadcast to the users, the process ends 1016.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a flowchart showing a handshake sequence forarranging information transmission using the omni-modal circuit 1 of thepresent invention is shown. The process begins 1102 with the omni-modalcircuit 1 accessing a service provider 1104 and receiving carrier costinformation from the service provider 1106. The omni-modal circuit 1 mayalso receive additional information from the service provider such assignal quality, system resources, and available bandwidth. The circuit 1then stores the information received from the service provider 1108. Thecircuit determines if other service providers exist 1110 and, if theydo, repeats the above steps to acquire cost and availability informationfor each service within the omni-modal circuit's range.

Once information has been acquired for all available service providers,the information is evaluated 1112. This evaluation could consist of asimple determination based on a single factor, or could include morecomplex calculations relating to weighting of given factors andqualities. The results of the evaluation are used to select a serviceprovider to process the users pending request for services. A connectionis established 1114 on the selected service provider, and the user'srequest is processed, after which the process ends 1116.

FIG. 12 is a view of a cellular radiotelephone 1200 which is generallyof the type and configuration described above with reference to FIG. 2However, radiotelephone 1200 is constructed using a modular omni-modalcircuit 1 constructed on a removable card 1204 which is provided with astandardized connector or connector (for example, a PCMCIA connector)1205 to establish all necessary interface connections to a plurality ofreceiving devices in the manner described above with reference to FIG.7.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, a telephone shell 1202 containing a batterypower supply, microphone, speaker, keypad, and antenna 2 has a receivingslot 1206 for receiving card 1204 carrying circuit 1. When card 1204 isinstalled in telephone shell 1202, connector 1205 mates with connector1208 within slot 1206 and the external components of the shell 1202 areoperatively combined with card 1204 to create a functional multi-modalcellular telephone.

FIG. 13 illustrates the installation of the same card 1204 in a notebooksized computer 1302, whereby the computer 1302 is provided with completeomni-modal network access. By using the same card 1204 containingstandardized circuit 1 to provide radio network access for variousdevices, the user can avoid maintaining multiple accounts or telephonenumbers, yet can communicate by radio using many devices. For example, areceiving slot for card 1204 could be provided in the user's automobile,and insertion of card 1204 upon entering the car would activate cellularcommunications capability in the car. The same card 1204 can be readilytransferred between the car, a portable handset shell as shown in FIG.12, and a computer as shown in FIG. 13 for data transmission.

The omni-modal circuit of the present invention can perform both pagereceiving and other functions, such as placing cellular telephone calls.However, since only a single transmitting and receiving circuit isprovided, when the device is in use on a non-paging communicationsnetwork such as an AMPS cellular telephone system, any pages directed tothe device may not be received. The present invention provides asolution to this potential problem in which the paging system control isinterconnected with other network(s) such as the local AMPS cellularsystem. It should be understood that while connection of the pagersystem to the AMPS system is shown as an example, such connections maybe provided between any systems used by the omni-modal circuit 1 toachieve similar objectives.

FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of a paging relay system accordingto the present invention for use with omni-modal circuits 1 that supportpager functions and also a non-pager network function such as cellulartelephone operation. FIG. 14 shows a paging system 1400 which isconnected in a conventional manner by lines 1406 to a broadcast antenna1408 which transmits pager signals to pager devices such as theomni-modal circuit 1 shown in the FIG. In addition, FIG. 14 shows acellular telephone network office 1402 which is connected to control theoperation of the cellular telephone cell site transmitter 1412 by lines1410.

Significantly, the paging system 1400 is connected to the cellulartelephone network office 1402 by lines 1404 which permit transfer ofoperational and control information between the paging system 1400 andcellular telephone network office 1402. Because of the connection oflines 1404, the paging system can determine whether the omni-modaldevice 1 is engaged in a cellular call and will thus be unable toreceive a page.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a preferred operation of the pager andother (for example AMPS) systems interconnected as described withreference to FIG. 14. In block 1502, the pager system first determinesby reference to stored records whether the pager device which is to becontacted is an omni-modal circuit 1 which may be engaged in datatransmission with another system at the time of any given page. If not,the page can be sent by the usual broadcast method in block 1504. If anomni-modal circuit 1 is involved in the paging operation, the pagersystem then contacts any connected networks which might be in use byomni-modal device 1 and inquires whether the device is in fact usingsuch networks in block 1506. If not, the omni-modal device is presumedto be available for receiving a page and control transfers to block 1504for transmission of the page by conventional methods. If circuit 1 is inuse, the pager system determines whether delivery by the alternatenetwork may be accomplished in block 1508. This may be determined byappropriate factors, including whether the network (e.g. AMPS) iscapable of and willing to deliver the page information to circuit 1, andwhether the user of circuit 1 has subscribed to this service.

If delivery by the alternate network is not available, control transfersto block 1510 which imposes a time delay. The page information isstored, and after some appropriate period of time, control transfers toblock 1506 and the pager system again attempts to determine whether thepage can be transmitted by conventional means.

If the alternative network is able to deliver the page and this serviceis to be provided, control transfers from block 1508 to block 1512 andthe page is transmitted over the alternative system. In the case of theAMPS system, the page information may be transmitted as a momentaryinterruption in an ongoing conversation, as information provided on acommand channel, as sub audible information (e.g. In a band from 0 to300 Hz), or by another appropriate method.

1. A multi-modal device for facilitating wireless communication over anyone of a plurality of wireless communication networks at least some ofwhich may be available and operating at a given time and location usingdiffering radio frequency modulation protocols and over differing radiofrequencies, comprising a frequency agile radio transceiver capable ofoperating at any frequency or frequencies appropriate for each of theplurality of wireless communication networks, said frequency orfrequencies selected in response to a frequency control signal; aninterface circuit for interconnecting said frequency agile radiotransceiver with an external signal circuit to allow signal informationto be sent and received over said frequency agile radio transceiver; aprotocol agile operating circuit for operating said frequency agileradio transceiver and said interface circuit in accordance with any onemodulation protocol of a plurality of modulation protocols, said onemodulation protocol selected in response to a protocol control signal;adaptive control circuit for determining which wireless communicationsnetworks are available at a given location and time, for accessing aselected wireless communication network, and for generating thefrequency control signal and the protocol control signal in response toa user defined individual priority to cause the device to communicatewith the selected wireless communication network using the frequenciesand modulation protocol suitable for transmission of said signalinformation over said selected wireless communication network; and inputmeans for receiving and storing the user defined individual priority forselecting among the plurality of wireless communication networks and forallowing subsequent changes by the user of the stored user definedindividual priority whenever desired by the user, said user definedindividual priority defining which one of the wireless communicationnetworks is accessed among the wireless communication networks that aredetermined by said adaptive control circuit to be available; whereinsaid adaptive control circuit operates to generate said frequencycontrol signal and said protocol control signal appropriate for thewireless communication network that is determined by said adaptivecontrol means to be available and satisfies said user defined individualpriority.
 2. A multi-modal device as defined in claim 1 wherein theplurality of wireless communications network includes three or morewireless communication networks and wherein said input means stores saiduser defined individual priority for allowing said input means to selectfrom among said three or more wireless communication networks thewireless communication network identified by said user definedindividual priority.
 3. The multi-modal device as defined in claim 1,wherein said adaptive control circuit is adapted to communicate inaccordance with an electronic handshake with selected wirelesscommunication networks to determine on a real time basis the cost fordesired services from the corresponding wireless communication network.4. The multi-modal device as defined in claim 1, further including amodem means for modulating and/or demodulating a carrier signal withuser data.
 5. The multi-modal device as defined in claim 1, furtherincluding a data processor means for processing digital data sent and/orreceived over said frequency agile transceiver.
 6. The multi-modaldevice as defined in claim 1, wherein said protocol agile operatingcircuit means is adapted to cause said frequency agile transceiver tocontrol telephone call placement and call answering functions overwireless communication networks having such telephone functions.
 7. Asoftware controlled multi-mode portable handset permitting a user tocommunicate over multiple wireless networks including at least a firstwireless network normally operating within a first frequency band usinga first wireless network protocol and a second wireless network normallyoperating within a second frequency band, different from the firstfrequency band, using a second wireless network protocol, different fromthe first wireless network protocol, comprising a multi-modal circuitincluding at least one large scale integrated circuit having componentssuitable to allow access to the first wireless network and to the secondwireless network, said multi-modal circuit including: a memory,including one or more memory devices, an operating program stored insaid memory, at least a first wireless network protocol software storedin said memory for implementing the first wireless network protocol, atleast a second wireless network protocol software stored in said memoryfor implementing the second wireless network protocol, a transceiverincluding a programmable circuit, responsive to a control signal, togenerate a radio frequency signal within either the first frequency bandor the second frequency band to cause the transceiver to access eitherthe first wireless network or the second wireless network, networksignal processing circuit for processing signals sent and received overeither the first wireless network or the second wireless network usingthe corresponding first wireless network protocol or the second wirelessnetwork protocol, and a microprocessor connected with said memory andsaid transceiver; and a user interface connected with saidmicroprocessor for allowing the user to indicate preferences for networkaccess to cause said microprocessor, under control of said operatingprogram, to generate appropriate control signals including said controlsignal for the transceiver, to cause said transceiver to send andreceive signals wirelessly over said at least first wireless network orover said second wireless network using either said first wirelessnetwork protocol software or said second wireless network protocolsoftware depending on which network is being accessed.
 8. A softwarecontrolled multi-mode portable handset permitting a user to communicateover multiple wireless networks including at least a first wirelessnetwork normally operating within a first frequency band using a firstwireless network protocol and a second wireless network normallyoperating within a second frequency band, different from the firstfrequency band, using a second wireless network protocol, different fromthe first wireless network protocol, comprising: a multi-modal circuitincluding at least one large scale integrated circuit having componentssuitable to allow access to the first wireless network and to the secondwireless network, said multi-modal circuit including a memory, includingone or more memory devices, an operating program stored in said memory,at least a first wireless network protocol software stored in saidmemory for implementing the first wireless network protocol, at least asecond wireless network protocol software stored in said memory forimplementing the second wireless network protocol, a transceiverincluding a programmable oscillator circuit, responsive to a digitaloscillator control signal, to generate a radio frequency signal withineither the first frequency band or the second frequency band to causethe transceiver to access either the first wireless network or thesecond wireless network, network signal processing circuit forprocessing signals sent and received over either the first wirelessnetwork or the second wireless network using the corresponding firstwireless network protocol or the second wireless network protocol, and amicroprocessor connected with said memory and said transceiver; and auser interface connected with said microprocessor for allowing the userto indicate preferences for network access to cause said microprocessor,under control of said operating program, to generate appropriate controlsignals including said oscillator control signal for the transceiver, tocause said transceiver to send and receive signals wirelessly over saidat least first wireless network or over said second wireless networkusing either said first wireless network protocol software or saidsecond wireless network protocol software depending on which network isbeing accessed.